Nashville Dog Parks Bans Unleashed Pit Bulls

Starting April 15, American Pit Bull Terriers and similar breeds won't be allowed in leash-free areas at dog parks in metro Nashville, Tenn.

Starting April 15, American Pit Bull Terriers and similar breeds won't be allowed in leash-free areas at dog parks in metro Nashville, Tenn.

Nashville and Davidson Countys Metro Tennessee Parks Board on Tuesday passed a ban on unleashed American Pit Bull Terriers and dogs of similar breeds at the areas three municipal dog parks which have off-leash areas.

Leashed pit-bull-type dogs will still be allowed in the on-leash areas of the dog parks, as well as on the general grounds of Centennial, Shelby and Edwin Warner parks.

According to the Metro Public Health Department, area officials have become more sensitive to the problem in the past six months, and the ban was devised because of numerous incidents mostly dogs attacking other dogs dating back to last year.

One of the more significant episodes occurred last September, when a pit-bull-type dog attacked a park police officer after the officer approached the leashed animal, which was lunging at a child.The dog bit the officer on the bicep, drawing blood.

As part of the new ordinance, animal control staff will train parks employees to identify the types of dogs that are prohibited.